Therapeutic vs Deep Tissue Massage
Deep tissue is about pressure. Therapeutic is about focus. How the two sessions differ, and how to tell which one your body needs this week.
Deep tissue is about pressure. Therapeutic is about focus. Book Deep Tissue when several areas are tight. Book Therapeutic when one spot is the problem and you want the whole session spent on it.
At our studio in Westchase, Tampa, deep tissue is our Deep Tissue Massage, which we call Pressure and Relief. Therapeutic is our Therapeutic Massage, which we call The Hands. Both are with Huan Huynh, LMT.
The difference at a glance
| Therapeutic (The Hands) | Deep tissue (Pressure and Relief) | |
|---|---|---|
| The idea | Focus: one area, the whole session | Pressure: slow, firm work |
| Where | The one area you pick: a shoulder, a hip, the low back or a forearm | The areas that stay tight: often the low back, shoulders and hips |
| Pressure | Whatever that area needs, lighter or firmer | Firm, deeper as the muscle allows |
| We suggest | 60 minutes, $100 | 90 minutes, $150 |
What therapeutic massage is
It is the whole session on one stubborn area, not five extra minutes at the end of a full body massage.
Some tension lives in one place. One shoulder that will not let go, a hip that tightens every time you sit, a forearm that aches after a week of typing or lifting. A full body massage gives that spot a few extra minutes, and it is back by the weekend.
In a therapeutic session you pick the area, and we spend the whole hour there: the spot itself and the muscles around it that pull on it. We use whatever pressure it needs, lighter or firmer, and we check in as we go. If something else is bothering you that day, tell us. You can change the area once the session starts. It is your session.
What deep tissue massage is
Deep tissue goes slower and deeper across the areas that are tight. We warm the area first, find where the tension actually sits, and work into it as the muscle allows. We never force it.
It is the session for the knot under your shoulder blade that is there every morning, plus the low back that tightens after a day at the desk, plus hips that stay tight after long drives. More than one area, worked firmly. It is our most requested session.
Both sessions use deep tissue and myofascial release where needed. The difference is how the time is spent.
Which one should you book?
Book Therapeutic if:
- one spot bothers you far more than the rest
- a full body massage has never spent long enough on it
- you want the pressure set for that one area, lighter or firmer
Book Deep Tissue if:
- two or more areas are tight
- you like firm pressure across your back, shoulders and hips
- it is your first visit and more than one area is tight
If two areas are bothering you and you lean toward Therapeutic, book 90 minutes instead of 60. One area usually needs about an hour of focused work.
Still torn? The Which Massage page asks where it hurts and suggests a session and a length. If you are torn between two, you can also book 60 minutes of either, and we can adjust in the room.
Does either one hurt?
Neither should. Deep tissue should feel firm, not painful, and some spots may feel intense. In a therapeutic session, we check in on pressure as we work. In both, say the word and we adjust right away.
A few quick answers
Can therapeutic massage help an injury? Massage is not a treatment for injuries or medical conditions. If you are recovering from something, check with your doctor first. If something sounds like more than massage should handle, we will tell you.
How much do they cost? Every session is the same rate: $100 for 60 minutes, $150 for 90 and $200 for 120. See Pricing.
What is included? Complimentary aromatherapy and a magnesium oil finish with either session, and an extra 15 minutes built in, so running a few minutes late does not cut your time.
Book your session
Book The Hands for one area, or Pressure and Relief for deep tissue. Or text us at 813.797.0406 and tell us where it is tight.